Pokhara hosting Third Cross-country Race today

POKHARA: The third Cross-Country Race is taking place in Pokhara today, organized by the Himalayan Tourism Forum.

Athletes from Nepal and neighboring China are participating in the competition, which features four categories: a 50-kilometer group race, a 50-kilometer individual race (for both males and females), a student race, a five-kilometer race, and a two-kilometer “Happy Run”.

The winning team in the 50-kilometer group race will receive a cash prize of Rs 45,800, while the first runner-up will bag Rs 343,000.

The individual winners in both the male and female categories of the 50-kilometer race will receive Rs 152,000 each.

The winner of the student’s race will take home Rs 30,000.

The 50-kilometer mountain race will start at Barahighat, Lakeside, Pokhara, and conclude in the city, passing through Chhorepatan, Ramadi, Phusrekhola, Fedikhola in Syangja, Pumdibhumdi in Pokhara Sub Metropolis-22, and Phewalake and Pame.

A total of 140 participants from China have already arrived on a chartered flight, as confirmed by tournament coordinator Bishwashankar Palikhe.

The event aims to further strengthen Nepal–China ties, which have flourished for centuries, and to promote Nepal’s tourism industry, it is said.

Pokhara, renowned as the “city of adventure sports,” regularly hosts international competitions such as the Enduro Cycle Race, Dragon Boat Race, Triathlon, Paragliding, and more.

Chinese tourists are especially attracted to adventure activities like Ziplining, Bungee Jumping, and Ultralight flying.

Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, said that 40 percent of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal make their trips to Pokhara.

He added that the city has the potential to attract even more tourists from China, both for entertainment and business purposes.

Taranath Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, is of the view that the Cross-country Race will not only highlight Pokhara as a prime tourist destination but will also help promote the entire country’s tourism industry internationally.